Saturday 20 August 2011

The Hoody .... I Saw Sunday - Week 49

 
 I Saw Sunday where you can join in with pictures, thoughts, observations, anything you like!



I was walking Grace in the park the other day when I spotted a teenage lad heading down toward the lake. He was dressed in a hoody, a scarf covering the bottom of his face, a muscly dog with studded collar by his side, and was carrying a bulging plastic bag.

As I watched, he looked around him furtively, then stopped by the side of the lake. Immediately the two swans swam up to him, their darling little goslings close behind. At that moment, media images flashed through my mind and although I usually look for the good in people - I felt sick. All I could think was ...  'the swans and their babies!'

But as I watched, he reached into his carrier bag and pulled out a whole loaf of bread and began feeding them. I almost squealed with delight. I could see his eyes crinkling at the corners and when he'd finished, he stroked his dog and went on his way. Admittedly he did throw the plastic bag on the floor, but at that moment I was just so happy.

I picked up the bag as I passed, continuing our walk,  feeling thankful to have had it reaffirmed that most people are lovely really ... we just have to look for it. Even if it is from a distance, on the other side of a lake, after a moment of pre-judgement! 

20 comments:

Susannah said...

The media and its stereotypes sure do have a lot to answer for! I am glad your story had a happy ending (and that the swans got fed.) :-)

Thanks very much for linking to I Saw Sunday. It is always good to have you join in. x

Friko said...

Well, if anyone had recognised him he'd have been the laughing stock of his gang, all of them pimply youth with a heart of gold and a mongrel on a lead, who'd be keen to help an old lady like across the road.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Apparently, the swans recognized an old friend in the young man with a hoody. Sweet.

Ella said...

I love this; I think we need to look more closer! I was apprehensive for a moment, so happy you had a positive ending! Thanks for stopping by my blog :D

That Janie Girl said...

Awwww....how sweet! Both that he fed and that you picked up.

I'm glad you "saw" him...

Jinksy said...

Parks and lakes bring out people's softer sides, obviously - especially with goslings thrown in for good measure! ♥

earlybird said...

What a happy observation, Deborah.

Dave King said...

A tale to gladden the jaded heart!" Many thanks for it.

vivinfrance said...

Heartwarming. That'll teach me not to hate hoodies on sight!

Anonymous said...

What a splendid, honest, recognizable situation/story! Oh the joys of witnessing the unexpected. Of resting our hearts, as we take in the beauty of our youth.

Paul Andrew Russell said...

What a wonderful story. It just goes to show you can 'never judge a book by its cover'. It's moments like the one you witnessed, Deborah, that really do make life worth living.

That gentleman's lady said...

That's a lovely story!

I love feeding birds, but mine are usually ducks.

Deborah said...

Thank you everso much for stopping by and your comments everyone ... it was good to see :o) xxx

Elizabeth Grimes said...

The swans must have seen him before! How sweet. :)

Deborah said...

:o) Thank you Elizabeth x

Mary said...

What a beautiful story, Deborah! It made my day.

Elizabeth said...

Thank you for this warm and surprising little bit of reality. Sometimes we see just such gems when we genuinely look at what is around us.

Elizabeth

Deborah said...

Thank you both for your lovely comments Mary and Elizabeth xx :o)

Anonymous said...

My heart would have been in my mouth too. You just never know with some people. Nice to see that one of the dreaded 'hoodies' is an animal lover after all!

Deborah said...

I agree :o) Thanks Selma x